Uppehållet

Uppehållet is a Swedish noun in its definite form (uppehållet) that denotes a pause, interruption, or temporary stay within a continuing process, activity, or journey. It can refer to a short delay or a longer stop at a place, and is used in everyday speech as well as in descriptive writing. The term commonly signals that movement or progress is temporarily held back.

Common usages span several contexts. In travel, a journey may include an uppehåll in a city or at a lodging. In work, study, or sports, it describes a break or pause in activity. Weather descriptions may also employ the word to describe a temporary halt in precipitation, for example “ett uppehåll i regnet.” Phrases such as “ta ett uppehåll” or “göra ett uppehåll” are used to indicate taking or making a pause.

Etymology and nuance: uppehåll is formed from upp- plus håll (to hold), conveying something that is held up or delayed. The definite form øuppehållet is used when referring to a specific pause already known from context. In more formal or precise writing, alternatives like avbrott, paus, or vila may be chosen depending on nuance, while uppehåll remains a general, neutral term suitable for everyday use.